Weather Alert for 21 June: Rough Seas, Strong Coastal Winds, and High Fire Danger Across South Africa

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued critical weather warnings for Saturday, 21 June 2025, highlighting rough seas, strong coastal winds, and elevated fire danger across various provinces. Residents and travellers are urged to take necessary precautions as these conditions pose risks to safety and property. This article provides detailed updates on the weather warnings affecting each province today and in the coming days.

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Coastal Warnings: Rough Seas and Strong Winds

SAWS warns of rough seas along the coasts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. These conditions are expected to persist through Saturday, creating hazardous conditions for small vessels and coastal activities. A yellow level 2 warning has been issued for damaging waves between Saldanha Bay and East London, with small boats at risk of capsizing and navigation difficulties expected. Mariners and coastal communities should exercise extreme caution.

Additionally, strong damaging winds are forecast along parts of the Eastern Cape, particularly over the Kouga and Nelson Mandela Bay local municipalities. These winds may cause localised damage to formal and informal settlements and disrupt maritime operations offshore between Plettenberg Bay and East London.

High Fire Danger in Interior Provinces

The interior regions face a high fire danger warning, especially in the Northern Cape, central and western Free State, and western North West Province. Dry, windy conditions combined with low humidity increase the risk of wildfires. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant, avoid open flames, and comply with any fire restrictions issued by local authorities.

Provincial Weather Highlights and Warnings

Western Cape

• Conditions: Fine but very cold with daytime temperatures below 10°C in interior areas.
• Coastal: Moderate to fresh southerly to south-easterly winds with rough seas along the coast.
• Warnings: Yellow level 2 for damaging waves affecting navigation and small vessels.
• Advice: Avoid unnecessary marine activities and prepare for cold conditions inland.

Eastern Cape

• Conditions: Cloudy mornings with fog in places like Gqeberha, otherwise fine.
• Winds: Fresh south-westerly winds becoming lighter in the afternoon; damaging winds expected in coastal municipalities.
• Warnings: Yellow level 2 for damaging winds and rough seas.
• Advice: Secure loose outdoor objects and avoid coastal water activities.

KwaZulu-Natal

• Conditions: Partly cloudy with light to moderate south-easterly winds, becoming easterly to north-easterly in the afternoon.
• Warnings: Rough seas along the coast.
• Advice: Exercise caution near beaches and harbours.

Northern Cape

• Conditions: Fine but very cold in interior districts such as Namakwa.
• Fire Danger: Extreme high fire danger conditions across the province.
• Advice: Strictly observe fire safety regulations and avoid open fires.

Free State and North West

• Conditions: Fine and partly cloudy with warm daytime temperatures.
• Fire Danger: High fire risk in central and western Free State and western North West.
• Advice: Stay alert to fire warnings and avoid activities that may spark fires.

Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo

• Conditions: Partly cloudy with isolated afternoon thundershowers in some areas.
• Temperatures: Warm daytime highs reaching into the low 30s°C.
• Fire Danger: Heatwave conditions persist, increasing fire risk in Gauteng and surrounding areas.
• Advice: Stay hydrated and avoid outdoor exertion during peak heat.

Additional Weather Hazards

• Cold Fronts: Interior Western Cape and Northern Cape will experience very cold conditions with daytime temperatures at or below 10°C.
• Fog: Morning fog expected in Pietermaritzburg and parts of Eastern Cape, reducing visibility on roads.
• Heatwaves: Persisting heatwave conditions in parts of Northern Cape, North West, Free State, and Gauteng until Tuesday, increasing health risks and fire danger.

Safety Recommendations

• Maritime: Small vessels should avoid coastal waters affected by rough seas and strong winds.
• Residents: Secure outdoor items and prepare for strong winds in coastal Eastern Cape.
• Fire Safety: Strictly follow fire bans and avoid open flames in high-risk fire areas.
• Health: Stay hydrated during heatwaves and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Travel: Exercise caution in fog-affected areas and monitor weather updates regularly.

Stay Informed and Prepared

South Africans are encouraged to monitor official updates from the South African Weather Service via their website and social media channels. Taking timely precautions can prevent accidents and reduce the impact of severe weather conditions.